Lap band erosion

[Grandma2 0]

Hi All,

I just joined the forum today because I went to the doctor yesterday and the PA told me I have band erosion. They recommend unfilling the band and going on a liquid diet for 4 weeks to see if that helps calm things down. They do not recommend an endoscopy. Does this make sense to anyone who's been through this? I, too, am devastated. I have had the band for almost 4 years and have lost about 70 pounds. I do NOT want to gain it back and I'm afraid that will happen....

[urbrdfs 0]

They request that usually if the band slips.

[Elisabethsew 50]

Hi All,

I just joined the forum today because I went to the doctor yesterday and the PA told me I have band erosion. They recommend unfilling the band and going on a liquid diet for 4 weeks to see if that helps calm things down. They do not recommend an endoscopy. Does this make sense to anyone who's been through this? I, too, am devastated. I have had the band for almost 4 years and have lost about 70 pounds. I do NOT want to gain it back and I'm afraid that will happen....

Erosion usually calls for the band to be removed. Most surgeons take it out and, depending on the degree of damage, either "rest" the GI system for several months or perform a revision surgery. Get a second opinion.

[Headhunter 6]

Elisabeth is correct.

However, I'm not sure why they would not want to perform an endoscopy to verify the erosion, and see the extent of the damage.

That is a little puzzling.

BUT....if there is erosion, and you have to have your band removed, remember that it is NOT the end of the world. There are many people who have gone on "bandless" and have been able to retain their weight loss. Others have had a different procedure performed, and the results were even better than with the band.

So, don't let it devastate you....it's not the end of the line!!:thumbup:

HH

Edited July 23, 2009 by Headhunter
I Misspelled Elisabeth's name! Shame on me!

[Grandma2 0]

Thank you all for responding so quickly. I left the doctor's office very upset yesterday - wouldn't even let them unfill the band. I did go back today with all my questions and was told that the video esophagram showed my band in place, etc.; however, it also showed reflux. That and my symptoms "suggest" that I may have band erosion. That was not the impression I got when I was in there yesterday. Anyway, they removed 1.5/2.5 fill in the band and recommended a liquids only diet for one month. It will be difficult, especially b/c I am going on vacation in 2 weeks, but I am so afraid that it will become erosion that I am going to take their advice. I can't tell you how good it feels to "talk" to others who have been through this. Unfortunately, I made up my mind 4 years ago to keep the surgery to myself, and right now I sure needed to talk. I appreciate the input. Do you think I should push for an endoscopy to confirm that I do/don't have erosion?

[Headhunter 6]

Hi, Grandma;

You know, I think I WOULD push for the endoscopy. That way, you/they would know for sure if there was erosion, and what stage it was at.

The problem with erosion (one of the problems) is that it can often prevent you from having ANY future WLS procedures, including a new Band. So, you really, really want to KNOW what is going on down there. That way, a treatment protocol can be established and you can solve the problem.

The endoscopy is really a simple procedure, I've had a number of them. And they take some nice pictures, too.:thumbup:

It's always best to know EXACTLY what you are up against, and the sooner the better.

Keep us posted, please!

HH

[Elisabethsew 50]

I would have the endoscopy but even that can't show hidden damage under the band. Surgeons will tell you that they see the "real picture" once they're able to get direct visualization in the OR.

[riley4183 0]

WOW! I am so happy to have Kaiser, a great surgeon, easy fills - and I only drive 1 hour. So far I have been very successful, and I am a very motivated patient!

I came on here today because I have developed a slight fever (100-101) today (tummy ache last 2 days), no reflux and tight but no vomitting. So I wondered what the symptoms of slippage and erosion were, cause don't we all worry about that! I must say that I was dissappointed to have to read through pages and pages and pages of off-topic USA vs. Mexico (or anywhere else) discourse. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but . . . I wanted to read about erosion symptoms, hence my search for a thread with this title, LOL. But now I also digress! Forgive me. I am MOST dissapointed that this thread lost that nice doctor who donated his time and expertise to this forum. Fortunately I can just email my surgeon with questions, but not everyone has the ability to do that. That's too bad.

Anyway folks - have a great day, and I wish you all the very best in your individual journeys! Because at the end of the day, it does not matter which surgery or when or where you had it - it matters that you made a decision and took charge of your life! If it stops working for you, by all means do something else - just don't give up! Lots of great expertise on here, and support is the name of the game. :smile2:

Caio

Riley

[Grandma2 0]

Hi Riley and All,

First, thank you again for the responses to my original concerns about erosion. I just finished Day 6 of the liquid diet my surgeon recommended I follow for one month. The first three days or so were very tough - I felt nauseous and headachey - but the last couple have been tolerable. I'm drinking whey and soy Protein Shakes, an occasional frozen yogurt/skim milk/banana shake, and different pureed Soups (like pea) made with skim milk. I hope this works. Anyway, I had a physical with my internist today and she feels I should have the endoscopy, too; so, I made an appointment with the gastrodoctor even though the surgeon didn't seem to think it's necessary. I need the peace of mind that taking a look will give me. Many of you seem to agree, also.

For Riley - even though I don't know whether or not I have band erosion for sure, my main symptom is reflux and heartburn. I can feel the food sitting high in my stomach and esophagus no matter what I eat - even yogurt. I know that part of the problem has also been the pills I take. Some of them are huge, and if I take them before a meal I swear they plug up the works and the food sits up top even longer. I asked the doctor to prescribe a smaller dose of one so that I can take the same dose in a few small, easier to swallow, pills. Right now, I feel like I always have a mild sore throat and my voice is slightly raspy. I so don't want this to be erosion because I'm petrified of gaining the weight back. You are doing amazingly well in such a short period of time. Take the advice of someone else who wrote, "Protect your pouch." Those few words say a lot!

Mary

[Grandma2 0]

...I forgot to ask HH and Elisabeth. What are RNY and VSG?

Thanks.

[Elisabethsew 50]

...I forgot to ask HH and Elisabeth. What are RNY and VSG?

Thanks.

RNY is commonly called the bypass and VSG is commonly called the sleeve. Let us know how the endoscopy goes.

[Grandma2 0]

Thank you Elisabeth. I'd never heard of either.

I have an appointment scheduled with the gastro doctor for the end of August - when I get back from vacation. I wish I could resolve everything before I leave, but there is no time. I am Day 9 on the liquid diet and feeling much better. I have no reflux and my sore throat is almost gone. Of course, I am hungry! My motivation to follow through with this for the month is that I'm hoping there's no erosion. I also stopped taking glucophage tablets. As I mentioned earlier, they are very large and I can feel them get stuck and then pass through the band. Sometimes this process takes a long time and I think they start to dissolve before passing through. I was just prescribed the liquid metformin and I think that will be an improvement. I also changed from tablets to liquid vitamins. At this point, I will do anything to protect my pouch and esophagus. Just hope I'm not too late. Thank you all again for listening....

Grandma Mary

[Elisabethsew 50]

Thank you Elisabeth. I'd never heard of either.

I have an appointment scheduled with the gastro doctor for the end of August - when I get back from vacation. I wish I could resolve everything before I leave, but there is no time. I am Day 9 on the liquid diet and feeling much better. I have no reflux and my sore throat is almost gone. Of course, I am hungry! My motivation to follow through with this for the month is that I'm hoping there's no erosion. I also stopped taking glucophage tablets. As I mentioned earlier, they are very large and I can feel them get stuck and then pass through the band. Sometimes this process takes a long time and I think they start to dissolve before passing through. I was just prescribed the liquid metformin and I think that will be an improvement. I also changed from tablets to liquid vitamins. At this point, I will do anything to protect my pouch and esophagus. Just hope I'm not too late. Thank you all again for listening....

Grandma Mary

I'm glad to hear that your problems seem to be resolving and I hope there is no erosion. If pills are not EC (meaning they are coated so they don't dissolve in the stomach) or LA (long acting) or ES (extended release), they can be broken into pieces. Keep us posted on how you're progressing.

[Sallianne 0]

I like your response to this situation. I am facing band removal on Sept. 1st due to erosion. I too am devastated. Mine was found through a random endoscopy. You said there are many out there that have had their bands removed and maintained their weight loss. I hope to be able to do that. My theory is, if I dont change my eating habits that I have with the band, then there is no reason to regain the weight , right? But everything I have read indicates you will regain the weight and possibly more. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and if you know of any websites or support sites for people who are now bandless and trying to maintain their weight loss, will you give me the link. Thanks. Sallianne

[Sallianne 0]

Elisabeth is correct.

However, I'm not sure why they would not want to perform an endoscopy to verify the erosion, and see the extent of the damage.

That is a little puzzling.

BUT....if there is erosion, and you have to have your band removed, remember that it is NOT the end of the world. There are many people who have gone on "bandless" and have been able to retain their weight loss. Others have had a different procedure performed, and the results were even better than with the band.

So, don't let it devastate you....it's not the end of the line!!:biggrin:

HH

Headhunter, you have a great attitude. I need help in getting a good attitude. I am scheduled to be debanded on 9-1-09 due to erosion. I too am afraid of gaining back my weight. You said there are many people who are "bandless" and been able to retain their weight loss. I wont be able to have a different procedure, so i have to depend on myself from now on. That's scary! If i continue my eating habits like I have while being banded, is there any reason why I would gain my weight back. Everything I have read indicates I will gain my weight back plus some. That terrifies me. Do you know of any support groups for people who have had to go bandless and maintain their weight loss? Thanks for any help you can give.